Russian

The Russian Federation is a huge and varied country with a long and complex history, unequaled cultural treasures (literature, ballet, folklore, cuisine) and great natural beauty. Study of Russian at Swarthmore offers entry to this culture and place, whose world importance is evolving and continuing over time. The Russian language is particularly satisfying to anyone who loves beautiful and intricate systems, making its study a pleasure on its own terms.

Why Study Russian?

Russia occupies more land on Planet Earth than any other single country.

Russia is 7th in the world ranked by population.

Russian is currently the fifth most widely-spoken language in the world.

Russia has made immense contributions to world culture in literature, theater, music, art, and film.

Most importantly, it's fun and challenging to learn!

Student Projects

Amie Chou '14. Her film is a visual exploration of the frame of Raskolnikov's mind after he has committed murder in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment.

Alumni Stories - Kristin Vitalich '98

"My nicest, most memorable academic experiences at Swarthmore were absolutely in my foreign language classes in Spanish and Russian, which were about so much more than conjugating and declining. My courses were well taught and my professors were always more than generous with their time and their interest. I chose to enter graduate school in Russian literature after I graduated, in no small part due the example I saw in the personal integrity and enthusiasm of my professors over my four years at Swarthmore."

MLL Online Journal

The MLL online journal Voyages brings out poetry, prose, literary translations, literary criticism and cultural and philosophical essays in both a second language and English semi-annually.

Russian Language Table

New Courses

Language Resource Center

The Language Resource Center provides resources to enhance the study of foreign language, literature, and culture at Swarthmore College. At the LRC, students may access software and audio and video material required for foreign language classes, watch foreign language TV and movies, browse the web on computers optimized to support non-Western languages, and borrow equipment such as video cameras for use in creating multimedia projects.